Europe's biggest electronics show IFA is in full swing in Berlin, and alongside the familiar televisions and smartphones its aisles are bursting with gadgets on the stranger side. Here's a look at some of the most eye-catching inventions: Long the province of amateur "biohackers", some firms are trying to take chips you can implant into your own body at home mainstream. A simple kit includes a sterile syringe and surgical gloves, allowing buyers to insert - pain-free, according to the manufacturer - a tiny chip into their finger that could replace car keys or the gym fob or even be used to store sensitive personal data. Digiwell, from 75 euros.
A small device that attaches to a canine companion's collar offers training tips, based on readings of his vital signs and movements. And with a GPS chip on board, there's no chance of Rover roving too far. Jagger & Lewis, from 99 euros ($117). The US-based manufacturers have already sold 25,000 of these tiny devices, which look like a pebble connected to a tiny computer.
Once placed under a pillow, this marital miracle worker uses its sensors to detect loud snoring and vibrates to gently shift the pillow into a different position. The idea is to change the orientation of the throat and nasal passages to cut down on the worst of the noise - and potentially save your relationship. Smart Nora, from 250 euros. Sony is developing what could be the ultimate construction toy that will allow techy kids armed with tablets to programme and control networked blocks hooked up to a small motor.